A TOP scientist accidentally took a drink and drugs overdose following a violent row with her partner.

Neena Washington, 46, was in a 'volatile and violent' relationship with Mark Nolan, who she met while both were patients at the Priory Clinic which specialises in rehab.

Ms Washington, of Cedarways, Warrington, ended her 21-year marriage to Clive Washington, and Mr Nolan eventually moved in to the matrimonial home. A Warrington inquest heard mother-of-two Ms Washington attacked Mr Nolan in the shower and brandished a knife, telling him to kill her the night before she was found dead on the kitchen floor.

He pushed her and she fell, hitting her nose on the frame of the bathroom door, the inquest heard.

Mr Nolan later went into the study and he heard a thud in the kitchen. He found Ms Washington on the floor and went upstairs to relax for 10 minutes, intending to return and wake her.

Mr Nolan said: "Unfortunately I fell asleep and when I went back down in the morning she was where I had left her. I was concerned and called the emergency services."

Ms Washington died from respiratory failure caused by an overdose of alcohol and prescription drugs.

Coroner Michael Wallbank recorded a verdict of accidental death.